Stapleton, Herefordshire

Infobox UK place
latitude= 52.29156
longitude= -2.97089
country= England
region= West Midlands
unitary_england= Herefordshire
official_name= Stapleton
constituency_westminster= North Herefordshire
post_town= PRESTEIGNE
postcode_area= LD
postcode_district= LD8
dial_code= + 44 (0)1544
os_grid_reference= SO338663
population= 133 [http://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/docs/2001_Parish_Populations.pdf]

Stapleton is a small hamlet and civil parish in Herefordshire near the Welsh border town of Presteigne. The hamlet itself has approximately 25 residents as well as the ruins of a medieval castle.

History

Historically, the hamlet and parish were once more important than its now larger neighbour, Presteigne, during the Middle Ages, but eventually slipped into decline while it's neighbour grew. There was also a recent archaeological excavation of a field, which found some ancient remains. [ [http://www.bbc.co.uk/herefordandworcester/content/articles/2006/02/03/stapleton_henge_feature.shtml BBC - Hereford and Worcester - About Herefordshire - Herefordshire's first henge? ] ] The parish began life in 1144 when the lord of Richards Castle was expelled from Presteigne. In response he built Stapleton castle which became the new centre of his lordship in the Welsh Marches.

Local area

The village is surrounded by farmland, from which most of its employment is based. There is also a gardens, Bryan's Ground, which attracts tourists. [ [http://www.bryansground.co.uk Bryan's Ground ] ] .

The parish borders on several other parishes, including Willey, Kinsham and Presteigne.

Images and scenery

References

*Remfry, P.M., Nine Castles of Burford Barony, 1048 to 1438 (ISBN 1-899376-39-9)
* [http://www.stapleton-castle.org.uk Stapleton Castle website]
* [http://www.castles99.ukprint.com/Essays/stapleton.html Article on Stapleton Castle]